Teachers' daily interaction is a powerful influence on at-risk students. Effective dropout prevention components include positive instructional environment, enhancement of self-esteem, alternative education, absence monitoring, mentoring, parent involvement, social and health services, teen parent programs, and transition strategies. (SK)

Early, accurate identification of potentially at-risk students is crucial to developing effective dropout prevention programs. Checklists are commonly used by schools and agencies to identify potential dropouts. Unfortunately checklists have several weaknesses, e.g., it is difficult to know how many characteristics must be checked before deciding…

This report presents an overview of previous research on teenage mothers and education. The report provides practical advice on how educators can work with youth-service workers and community activists to reduce the institutional barriers that keep pregnant and parenting teenagers from remaining in or returning to a diploma-granting educational…

In light of the theory that student absenteeism and lack of motivation are intertwined, educators have begun to investigate the theories of motivation in order to apply them to creative attendance policies in an attempt to reduce the problem of student absenteeism. Motivational theories indicate common elements of the importance of the intrinsic…

Reviews findings on factors that predict dropping out and relates these to recent recommendations for raising school standards. Identifies the adverse effects these standards might have on potential dropouts and discusses some ways of circumventing the negative consequences. Proposes an agenda for simultaneously raising standards and addressing…

Describes the goals and substantial achievements of Operation Success, a school-based program aimed at bringing dropouts back into school and serving those on the verge of dropping out. Also discusses students' reasons for dropping out, strategies for case management, and the coordination of funding. (RDN)

Describes dropout prevention model of teamwork between teacher and graduate social work intern at inner-city alternative public high school. Notes that model provides framework for programmatic responses to problems of school dropouts among inner-city minority youths and also furnishes new opportunities for intern training in school social work.…

A grant proposal was developed with the objectives of increasing retention, improving the image, and increasing volunteer participation at a Florida high school, Boca Ciega. The program encompassed 15 strategies to accomplish these objectives, many being new models of school/community relationships. Students were identified in the eighth grade and…

There is a growing concern at the national, state, and local levels over the number of students who are leaving school without graduating. In response to this concern, Spokane School District No. 81 in Spokane, Washington established a ninth-grade task force to examine the issue of dropouts. This report reviews related literature examined by the…

This booklet addresses the issue of high school dropouts. The dropout problem is briefly reviewed and dropout statistics are presented. A section on identifying the dropout lists early warning signs of potential dropouts and examines reasons for dropping out. Seven profiles of dropouts are included which provide personal insights, describe…

The final report of a Florida Grand Jury investigation of the school dropout situation in Dade County is presented in this document. Information contained in the report was drawn from a questionnaire administered to 264 dropouts and potential dropouts, from a second questionnaire administered to 323 elementary school teachers, and from the…

Focusing on the high school dropout problem in Austin, Texas, this report presents statistics on dropouts, describes characteristics of dropouts, examines reasons for and consequences of dropping out, and explores how to prevent this problem. The report indicates that: (1) Hispanics drop out at higher rates than Blacks or Whites; (2) males drop…

This report summarizes research on retention and dropouts. Although there has been a recent resurgence of retention programs aimed at students who encounter subject-area difficulties, many studies have questioned the value of retention, especially if it is not accompanied by programs of remediation and individualized learning. However, researchers…

Because at-risk students may feel alienated from school, educational reforms may be useful that make school a more supportive place. While many students identified as "at-risk" may drop out of high school, many others could be better described as "pushouts." These students may desire to stay in school and graduate, but feel pressure to leave.…

This report presents the findings of a review of 45 selected references on issues associated with high risk students and dropouts. The literature was analyzed according to: (1) the manner in which high risk students and dropouts are characterized; (2) the suggested causes and conditions driving the problems of high risk and dropping out; (3) the…